New Computer Security Checklist

Before taking off on a flight, most pilots run through a "pre-flight" checklist. We suggest you run through our "New Computer Security Checklist" before unleashing your new home computer on your family. Here’s what you need to do:

Protect your PC:

• Install a firewall (either one that is included with your operating system or one that you buy additionally).
• Make sure keep computer security systems set to update automatically, if possible.
• Install anti-virus software.
• Install anti-spyware software (if it is not included in your anti-virus package).

Protect yourself, your family and your information:

• Set IDs and passwords on your systems, making sure that properly secure passwords are used.
• Set any parental controls that you want to be associated with certain IDs (ie. limiting the Web sites that young children may be allowed to see).
• Make sure that everyone who will use the family computer understands computer security basics.